The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Radulf’s expression darkened with guilt as Zenna’s words echoed in his mind. Yet, his gaze remained fixed on her, unwavering.

’I hated you once, but now... I can’t stop liking you,’ he thought, a bitter truth settling deep within him. ’I should have protected you back then too, but I was too lost in my own pain, drowning in my own loss.’

"Where are you lost?" Zenna’s soft voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Nowhere," he murmured, shaking off the weight of his emotions.

She studied him for a moment before saying, "I’ll go check what’s been prepared for lunch. You should rest for a while."

Radulf reluctantly let her go, watching as she turned and walked away, leaving him alone with his turmoil.

’You’ve been quiet these days,’ Radulf addressed his wolf.

’Because you’re finally treating Zenna as you should have long ago,’ Black responded, his voice steady. ’You’re no longer pushing her away. I told you from the beginning—our mate was never at fault. It was the world around us that made things difficult.’

’I know.’ Radulf sighed internally. ’Through her letters, I’ve learned more about her than I ever did when we weren’t together.’

His thoughts drifted back to the last letter he had read—the hundredth one. Out of all of them, this one struck him the most. He had felt the raw ache in her words, the silent cries of a woman who had spent endless days longing for him.

—

"Dear Radulf,

I miss you. The days and nights are unbearable without you. It feels like I’m falling into an abyss of darkness without your presence.

Will you love me? Cherish me? Make me feel wanted? I hope you do.

My only wish and prayer is for your safe return. I’m sorry if I ask for too much, but I feel like a nobody among so many faces. Perhaps, if you were here, my situation would have been different.

Truly Yours,

Zenna."

—

Radulf clenched his fists slightly as he recalled the words. Zenna must have suffered terribly in his absence, particularly on that day. Whether it was Phillipe or Loretta, someone had tried to break her spirit, to push her into the shadows.

Leaning back against the sofa, he exhaled slowly. "My absence truly left its mark on her. If I were in her place, I might have given up a long time ago. But she didn’t. She remembered me in every moment—both joyful and painful—while I never once spared her a thought. I was a fool."

A whisper of her scent still lingered in the air, wrapping around him like an embrace. His lips curved into a small, unbidden smile. "Even without realizing it, she stirs something inside me."

And now, he would fight those urges alone.

~~~~

In the evening:

Zenna slipped into the elegant dress Radulf had gifted her. Since she had given all the servants the day off, she had to dress herself without any assistance. The gown was stunning, but the intricate hooks at the back made it nearly impossible to fasten alone.

Sighing, she turned toward the door, hoping to find Radulf outside. But as she stepped into the living area, she found it empty. "He must be getting ready," she murmured, retreating to the dressing table.

She picked up a brush and let it glide smoothly through her long hair, the repetitive motion calming her nerves. After a moment’s thought, she styled a half-upside braid on the left side of her head, allowing the rest of her hair to flow freely down her back. When she glanced at her reflection in the mirror, a soft smile graced her lips.

Opting for a natural look, she applied light makeup, just enough to enhance her features.

"Are you ready?"

Radulf’s deep voice echoed through the room, making her pause. She lifted her gaze to the mirror and saw his reflection—his tall frame clad in a white ensemble that matched hers perfectly. The realization struck her—they looked like a couple on their wedding day. The thought made her heart skip a beat.

Standing up, she turned slightly and met his gaze through the mirror. "No. Please help me... Hook my dress from the back," she murmured, her voice softer than she intended.

Radulf was behind her in an instant. Without a word, he gathered her long hair and swept it over one shoulder, exposing the smooth skin of her back. Zenna fidgeted with her fingers as his touch sent a shiver down her spine.

His movements were slow as he fastened the hooks, his fingers grazing her skin just enough to make her breath hitch. Her eyes remained locked on the mirror, watching the way his intense gaze never left her.

"It’s done," Radulf whispered, his lips dangerously close to her ear.

Before she could respond, he leaned in, nipping her earlobe and pressing a lingering kiss against it. A tremor ran through her, and she clutched the edge of the vanity for support.

"Radulf, we need to leave," Zenna whispered, though her voice lacked conviction.

Radulf smirked against her skin, his hands resting lightly on her waist. "When will you allow me to undress you?" Radulf’s voice was low, husky, and dangerously seductive.

Zenna’s entire body tensed, her ears burning red at his bold words. Why was he saying this now? Her fingers gripped the edge of the vanity, her breath hitching as she felt the warmth of his body pressing against her back.

Her heart pounded violently in her chest.

"I want to feel your body against mine," he continued, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. "Your mouth crying my name when I’m thrusting into you." His voice was thick with desire, his heated gaze locked onto hers through the mirror.

Zenna swallowed hard, her throat suddenly turning parched. His words painted images in her mind that she desperately tried to push away.

She couldn’t, wouldn’t, imagine such a scenario.

Radulf exhaled, his grip tightening slightly on her waist. "Honestly, I don’t even remember what I did during my rut," he admitted. "I don’t know how you reacted, what expression you made... or if you were able to enjoy it with me."